In a recent interview during her official trip to Malaysia, Vice President Sara Duterte of the Philippines addressed speculations of a rift between her and President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Duterte confirmed that her relationship with the President remains “good” but chose not to comment on her ties with the First Lady, Marie Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos.
The alleged snubbing incident occurred during President Marcos’ departure honors to Vietnam two weeks ago. This incident, coupled with the calls for President Marcos’ resignation from Duterte’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and her brother, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, fueled speculations of a strained relationship between the Vice President and the First Family.
When asked about her relationship with President Marcos, Duterte assured reporters that they have no problems and are doing well in their relationship. She stated, “President [Marcos] and I are doing good, and we are okay in our relationship.”
However, Duterte declined to comment on her relationship with the First Lady, leaving room for interpretation and speculation. The Vice President mentioned that she has not spoken with her father and brother since the “Hakbang ng Maisug” event in Davao City on January 28, where they denounced moves to change the constitution.
Aside from her silence on her ties with the First Lady, Duterte also chose not to comment on her father’s calls for Mindanao to secede from the Philippines. These non-comments from the Vice President raise questions about the dynamics within the Duterte family and their political affiliations.
Currently, Vice President Duterte is in Malaysia for her third trip as the president of the Southeast Asian Ministers Education Organization (SEAMEO). This visit underscores her commitment to regional cooperation and educational development in Southeast Asia.
As an international audience, it is essential to contextualize the situation within the Philippines’ political landscape. The Duterte family holds significant political influence in the country, with President Duterte serving as the 16th President of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022. The Marcos family, on the other hand, has a controversial history, with Ferdinand Marcos Sr. serving as the President of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986, during which the country experienced a period of martial law and alleged human rights abuses.
Understanding the historical context and political dynamics can help shed light on the significance of Vice President Duterte’s statements and the speculations surrounding her relationships with President Marcos Jr. and the First Lady.
While Vice President Duterte’s affirmation of a “good” relationship with President Marcos Jr. provides some reassurance, her decision to remain silent on her ties with the First Lady leaves room for speculation. As the situation continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how these relationships evolve and impact the political landscape of the Philippines.
Source: The Manila Times